Joe Burrow back on practice field with Bengals ahead of matchup vs. Patriots, who welcome trio of returnees
Veteran Joe Flacco, who has started the last five games for Cincinnati, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s session with a right shoulder injury.
There’s the potential that this is simply some gamesmanship on the part of the Bengals. After all, the mere possibility of Burrow being available — after it was initially believed he would be back later this month — would cause the Patriots to spend time preparing for the Pro Bowler, as opposed to Flacco.
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Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor wasn’t tipping his hand.
“Until we get through some practices, there’s no reason for me to even speculate on that,” Taylor said when asked about Burrow’s potential availability.
Stevenson, Boutte, Elliss back at practice
The Patriots received some good injury news Wednesday, as running back Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, and linebacker Christian Elliss were among those back at practice. Boutte and Elliss were listed as full participants, while Stevenson was among seven players who were limited.
Boutte sustained a hamstring issue this month and has missed the last two games. Stevenson has missed the last three games because of a toe injury, and Elliss has been down with a hip issue.
“Feeling good,” Stevenson said before practice. “Ready to get back out there with the team.”
“They’ll all work, and we’ll see how they respond, and kind of keep moving from there,” said coach Mike Vrabel. “No real update. They haven’t done anything that we’ve pushed through other than that. So hopefully they’re out there and they will be ready to go, and we’ll see where they [are].”
In nine games, Elliss has been a steady part of the defense, working mostly with Robert Spillane to provide a good tandem at the second level. Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai have seen a spike in reps since Elliss went down.
Boutte has 23 catches for 431 yards and five touchdowns. In his place, the Patriots have leaned on a variety of targets in the passing game, including veteran Mack Hollins and rookie Kyle Williams, but it’s been an occasional challenge to replicate Boutte’s deep-threat ability, as his yards per reception (18.7) rank among the best in the league.
In eight games this season, Stevenson has 83 carries for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Without the veteran in the backfield, rookie TreVeyon Henderson has emerged with 264 rushing yards and four rushing TDs in the last three games.
Henderson’s performance has sparked discussion over the last few weeks that the Patriots could split carries when Stevenson returns.
“I think we’ll probably have to have that conversation,” said Vrabel. “So, we’ll try to have them all help us. But it’s been good to see TreVeyon continue to run hard and take care of football and everything else.”
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (not injury related), linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (ankle), tight end Austin Hooper (concussion), linebacker Harold Landry (knee), right tackle Morgan Moses (not injury related), and defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (ankle) joined Stevenson on the list of limited participants.
The Patriots are back on the road this weekend, traveling to Cincinnati while looking to stay perfect away from home this season.
According to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, keeping that sort of “road warrior” mentality demands a simple approach.
“On the road, it’s definitely hard. We’re going into somebody else’s stadium and nobody wants to lose [at home],” he said. “I don’t care where you’re at and what time of the year, nobody wants to lose. So for us, it’s a little bit of going against the grain. Trying to go into those hostile environments and play together as a team.”
The Patriots are 5-0 away from home, matching their total of road victories in 2023 and ’24 combined. One of the reasons for that success is found in a three-word mantra Vrabel has been preaching all season.
“He always says, ‘Pack the identity,’ ” Diggs said. “Words to live by, words to go by when you’re in a situation thinking, ‘Should I block this guy’ or ‘Should I finish this play?’ ”
Land Clark has been assigned as the referee for Sunday’s game. According to NFLPenalties.com, Clark’s crew is averaging the second-fewest flags this season (10.9). However, Clark’s group has kept a close eye on the offensive line, calling 22 offensive holding penalties and 18 false starts. This is Clark’s first Patriots game of the season … The Patriots signed safety John Saunders to the practice squad. He was released from the 53-man roster Monday.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.
